Kevin Love

Kevin Love was taken fifth overall by Memphis in 2008 and was traded to the Wolves on draft night for the third overall pick, O.J. Mayo, in an eight-player deal. He was a 2012 Olympian and a two-time NBA All-Star who holds the longest streak for consecutive double doubles. Previously, he was a top-ranked prospect out of Lake Oswego (Ore) High School before playing one season in college for UCLA (Final Four appearance, 2008.)

A pre-emptive strike before Love could walk away as a free agent next summer, the deal is intended to change the identity of a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since Kevin Garnett wore its uniform.

Timberwolves forward Kevin Love has dropped out of the celebrity softball game that is part of the All-Star weekend at Target Field. Love's name was not included in the latest media release promoting the game, which will be played on July 13 and broadcast on ESPN the next night.

Amid renewed reports that Kevin Love intends to leave Minnesota in 2015 and the Timberwolves are reconsidering their position, owner Glen Taylor reiterated that the team doesn't intend to soon trade him.